Campus COVID Protocols and Case Numbers
Rockhurst Student, Faculty and Staff Companions,
Thanks to the dedication everyone is showing in following our pandemic protocols, we again have excellent case numbers to report. Today we’re providing information about why we all need to continue our vigilance, along with some additional resources.
Important Reminders
- You may wonder whether the recently announced changes to restaurant and bar capacities and hours of operation in Kansas City will affect any policies on campus. Along with many of our peer institutions, we are holding steady with pandemic protocols at the recommendation of the Kansas City Health Department (KCHD). In recent meetings with University administrators, the KCHD and the lead epidemiologist for Missouri expressed concern that the variants, especially the one from the United Kingdom — which is doubling every two weeks in Missouri — along with the slow rollout of the vaccine, could cause another surge in cases in late March. Further, the health department reiterated that previous surges were not caused by on-campus activity, but by behavior in bars, restaurants, and social events where social distancing and mask wearing protocols were flagrantly disregarded. So please keep off-campus social gatherings to 10 or fewer people; for student organization gatherings on-campus you are permitted to have gatherings up to 50 people indoors (as the COVID room capacity allows) and up to 100 people outdoors – all the while following mask wearing, social distancing, and other safety protocols.
- The CDC advises that you can improve the effectiveness of wearing a mask by selecting one with multiple layers of fabric or by wearing a disposable mask underneath a cloth mask.
- More college students are now eligible to use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during the pandemic due to recent changes in federal guidelines. Students who participate in state or federal work study or whose expected family contribution of zero are now eligible. More information is available on the SNAP directory page.
- If you find out you are COVID positive, you have symptoms for COVID, or have been in close contact with a COVID-positive person, please submit the Illness and Exposure Reporting Form immediately. Use Campus Clear each morning to determine whether or not you need to file a report.
COVID Vaccinations
- If you receive a COVID vaccination, please notify the University after you receive the second dose by completing this COVID-19 vaccine form. We are pleased to report that 127 employees and students have received both doses of the vaccine!
- We continue to advise you to register your interest to obtain a vaccine wherever you are eligible. One option is to register with the State of Missouri. Higher education faculty and staff are eligible to receive vaccinations under Phase 2 of Missouri’s plan. This is true for those who work at Missouri institutions, including Rockhurst, who live in Kansas.
Positive and Quarantined Cases
Our community cases continue to decrease and remain low across all categories and populations. For undergraduate students on the Troost campus there was a significant decrease from last week reported across all categories, while the Westport campus reported no cases. For graduate students on the Troost campus there was also a decrease from last week reported across all categories, while the Westport campus reported no cases. Faculty and staff cases remain stable and low on both the Troost and Westport campuses.
As of Feb. 23
Troost Campus |
Undergraduate Students |
Graduate Students |
Employees |
Total Population |
1501 |
867 |
414 |
Active Positive Cases/percentage |
0/0% |
1/0.1% |
0/0% |
Quarantined/percentage |
2/0.1% |
1/0.1% |
0/0% |
Westport Campus |
Undergraduate Students |
Graduate Students |
Employees |
Total Population |
492 |
141 |
87 |
Active Positive Cases/percentage |
0/0% |
0/0% |
0/0% |
Quarantined/percentage |
0/0% |
0/0% |
0/0% |
*There are no undergraduate positive cases in University residential facilities. The number of beds available on campus for isolation is 45 and the number of occupied beds is zero.
Definitions
- COVID Active: tested positive for COVID; isolated
- Quarantined: had close contact with a COVID-positive person; possibly being tested
- Close Contact: You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period; You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19; You had direct physical contact with the person (hugged or kissed them); You shared eating or drinking utensils; They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you
Things are beginning to look more encouraging regarding vaccine availability as well as declining case numbers in our area. As we look toward spring and warmer weather, we have much to be thankful for. At the same time, we all must do our part to limit a resurgence of the virus on campus, especially given the warnings being offered by city, state, and national officials regarding the variants. Thank you for helping us in this effort!
Matthew D. Quick, Ph.D.
Dean of Students/Vice President
Student Development and Athletics
Douglas N. Dunham, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President
Academic Affairs